joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy

a joyful crowd

joyful faces

a joyful occasion

joyfully

ˈjȯi-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun

Synonyms of joyful

• thankful
• delighted
• happy
• pleased
• glad
• satisfied
• joyous

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news.

the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

Recent Examples on the Web

The two developed a joyful rhythm on set, egging each other on and rushing back to the monitor between takes. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026

And that makes sense—it wasn’t designed to be a joyful culinary experience. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

But here the formal experimentation and joyful creativity are not only well written, but feel like a fitting homage to Berger, a way of capturing a life not only in facts, but in style. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

Lea Salonga celebrated her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, marking a joyful moment in her storied career and becoming the first Filipina to be recognized with the honor. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: feeling, causing, or showing joy

a joyful family reunion

joyfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun